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Cultural Practices

In the world of grapes, the term 'cultural practices' can sometimes be used as a catch-all phrase, but generally it refers to topics that relate to growing the crop itself. This includes issues like choosing varieties and rootstocks, trellis and training systems to support the vines, managing the vines' canopies and cropload to meet production and fruit quality goals, winter pruning and more. You'll probably notice quickly that topics like these are also related to and influenced by information about pest management, vineyard nutrition and business management.

Factors That Affect Fruit Set

One of the components that influences yields in grapevines is the number of berries that set and mature on each cluster, or "fruit set". Each flower cluster contains many individual flowers, each of which has the potential to become a grape. However, not every flower will successfully pollinate or develop a healthy embryo and the surrounding tissue that becomes the fruit that we want.

This article covers some of the factors that influence fruit set in grapes and summarizes practices that growers could use to influence set. It was originally published in the June 2013 issue of the Finger Lakes Vineyard Notes.

Dr. Kees van Leeuwen, University of Bordeaux

Dr. Kees van Leeuwen is a professor of viticulture at the University of Bordeaux. His work focuses on the effects of environment on terroir. He is also the viticulture consultant for Chateau Cheval Blanc in St. Emilion, one of the premier producers in Bordeaux, which uses a high percentage of Cabernet Franc in its wines.

Dr. van Leeuwen visited the Finger Lakes in late October, 2014 and presented a seminar to the region's industry about the role of Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux production, and some of the results of research that he and others have done on the variety over the past several years. Dr. van Leeuwin was kind enough to give his permission for us to share the slides from his presentation to the industry.

Slides from Presentation by Dr. Benjamin Bois, University of Burgundy

Last Modified: September 17, 2014

Dr. Benjamin Bois, an associate professor in viticulture and climatology from the University of Burgundy, speak to Finger Lakes growers and winemakers about Pinot noir production in Burgundy and how it is influenced by climatic and site conditions.

Upcoming Events

FLGP Virtual Tailgate Meeting

June 9, 20204:30 - 6:00 PM

Join FLGP viticulturist Hans Walter-Peterson (and the occasional guest speaker) for any or all of this year's Tailgate Meetings, held every other Tuesday afternoon during the 2020 growing season, starting on June 9 and ending on August 18.

FLGP Virtual Tailgate Meeting

June 23, 20204:30 - 6:00 PM

Join FLGP viticulturist Hans Walter-Peterson (and the occasional guest speaker) for any or all of this year's Tailgate Meetings, held every other Tuesday afternoon during the 2020 growing season, starting on June 9 and ending on August 18.

Announcements

State Guidance for Farms Regarding COVID-19

New York state has released official guidance specific to farms addressing COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). You can find the document titled "Interim Guidance for Prevention and Response of COVID-19 at Farms" at this link: https://agriculture.ny.gov/interim-guidance-prevention-and-response-covid-19-farms. The document covers: cleaning and disinfection, face coverings, social distancing, high-risk locations, coordination with local health departments, employee health screening, quarantine/isolation, and farm-provided employee housing.

Virtual Viticulture in 2020

Because of the current restrictions on public gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our grower meetings have transitioned to an online format. Take a look at the Calendar of Events (http://flgp.cce.cornell.edu/events.php) for information on dates, speakers and topics. The FLGP's Tailgate Meetings will have 0.75 pesticide credits available when they begin (see the Calendar of Events for our schedule). The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program's weekly Coffee Pot meetings, held every Wednesday, are eligible for 1 NY and 1 PA pesticide credit.